Make saving automatic during Military $aves Week

Published Feb. 19, 2016
By Kimberly Woodruff
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- As part of Military Saves Week, the Airman and Family Readiness Center will hold a Financial Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Tinker Club.

Military Saves Week is Feb. 22-26, coinciding with the America Saves campaign.
Active duty military, Guard and Reserve service members, their families (spouses and youth), Department of Defense civilians, contractors, retirees and veterans are all encouraged to attend the event and learn how to improve their financial readiness.

"Everyone needs to think about what financial freedom means to them and that it is never too early to plan on retirement," said Patricia Black, Personal Financial Management counselor with A&FRC. "Only about 17 percent of service members stay in the military to receive full retirement pension, so it is important for people to make a commitment to 'Start Small, Think Big' and make positive changes in their personal financial behavior."

Financial readiness is a crucial component of both mission and family readiness. Last year, 230 Air Force Aid cases were processed at Tinker AFB, and more than $200,900 was dispersed via loans or grants. Of those loans, 66 percent were provided to cover basic necessities such as housing. In addition, 74 Airmen were provided food pantry assistance. In most cases, personal funds were not available and the recipients lacked a budget, short-term financial goals and savings.

The Financial Fair features experts from the Better Business Bureau, 72nd Comptroller Squadron, Social Security Administration, Thrift Savings Plan, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Small Business Administration, Tinker Federal Credit Union, FNB Community Bank, Operation Home Front, Security Exchange Commission, Home Selling and Military Onesource will be on hand to answer questions.

Participants can fill out a card with organizations they talk to, and enter to win prizes.
In addition to attending the financial fair, those interested in learning how to build a budget and get help with their finances can call and schedule a one-on-one appointment with a financial counselor.

Mark the calendar and be sure to attend the Financial Fair to get tips on how to save more and improve financial readiness for your family. For more information, call A&FRC at 739-2747.